Antenna Height Secret

[Papa2118]

Just curious why some repeater operators are resistant to disclosing how high their antenna(s) are.  I guess you can hit it or you can't, but it can be useful to know sometimes if you want to know what is or isn't in the way.  Say you're testing and know you should be hitting a given repeater but can't and you're trying to figure out if terrain is a factor.  Just wondering.

[Jaay]

Topographical maps for your area are Very useful for this !

[SteveShannon]

44 minutes ago, Papa2118 said:

Just curious why some repeater operators are resistant to disclosing how high their antenna(s) are.  I guess you can hit it or you can't, but it can be useful to know sometimes if you want to know what is or isn't in the way.  Say you're testing and know you should be hitting a given repeater but can't and you're trying to figure out if terrain is a factor.  Just wondering.

Ask when you request access. Also, when testing, plan to drive closer to the repeater until you definitely know you’re hitting it.

[UncleYoda]

There's no good reason to not publish height.  If the repeater is using a directional antenna, the primary direction should be reported too.  But even worse to me is not giving a general location for the repeater.  Like height, being able to determine distance and bearing is fundamental to radio comms.  Towers can't be hidden anyway so there's little if any additional threat from vandals by letting the users know where it is.

[Papa2118]

40 minutes ago, SteveShannon said:

Ask when you request access. Also, when testing, plan to drive closer to the repeater until you definitely know you’re hitting it.

I have asked.

[SteveShannon]

Just now, Papa2118 said:

I have asked.

You asked why they’re resistant to disclosing the height of their antenna?  Good job!  What did they say?

[OffRoaderX]

I dont publish the actual/*exact* elevation of my repeater antenna because its connected to my house and knowing its exact elevation would make it easier for all the mentally-ill people that send me threats to locate it.

[TrikeRadio]

As @Jaay already mentioned above... a topo map can give you the elevation if you know the location or general location. 

If you know something about the locaiton and the repeater is on a mountain top or something (as apposed to a building or tower) you can use this line of sight tool to see where you would get good line on a repeater. https://www.scadacore.com/tools/rf-path/rf-line-of-sight/

But yeah, like some have already said, if they don't tell you the elevation or don't want to... there is no reason they have to. 

 

[Raybestos]

2 hours ago, OffRoaderX said:

I dont publish the actual/*exact* elevation of my repeater antenna because its connected to my house and knowing its exact elevation would make it easier for all the mentally-ill people that send me threats to locate it.

It's okay, man.  I already know where you live.  I sat on you front porch naked for two hours this morning before sunrise.  If you don't believe me, check out the crusty butt prints near the top step.

 

[OffRoaderX]

Just now, Raybestos said:

I sat on you front porch naked for two hours this morning before sunrise.  If you don't believe me, check out the crusty butt prints near the top step.

The butt-prints smell fresh so your story checks out.

[Mrsig]

30 foot tower & this is my main gate. Good luck getting in....

[WRUE951]

6 hours ago, Papa2118 said:

Just curious why some repeater operators are resistant to disclosing how high their antenna(s) are.  I guess you can hit it or you can't, but it can be useful to know sometimes if you want to know what is or isn't in the way.  Say you're testing and know you should be hitting a given repeater but can't and you're trying to figure out if terrain is a factor.  Just wondering.

plug in the coordinates on Google Earth and check in Street View.  (no all are available)

[WRXL702]

1 hour ago, OffRoaderX said:

The butt-prints smell fresh so your story checks out.

I Would Have To Disagree.

Think His Story Has A Crack In It..........